Jake Sisko.

After tri-divisional phenom Wesley Crusher, the writers of Deep Space Nine wanted to let kids be kids and gave us Jake Sisko. Breaking the stereotype that children of Starfleet officers long to enter the Academy themselves, Jake really was just an average child. Star Trek has never really done well with its younger characters. How do you tell stories about children and family on a show about space exploration, diplomacy, and starship battles? At first glance, the gritty nature of the former Terok Nor doesn't seem like a hopeful place to change that. As it turns out, it was just the right setting.

In this episode of The Orb hosts Christopher Jones and Matthew Rushing take a close look at one of DS9's most forgotten and least popular characters to find out why he was critical to making Benjamin Sisko the man and leader he was, how he had a positive impact on Nog and others around him, and why the show would be very different if you removed the Jake.

DS9 25th Anniversary. We look back at the series we love in a casual chat about why it has come to be our favorite Star Trek, how it opened up the full world of Gene’s vision, and why it has stood the test of time.

Feedback Show. In this special show we share our thoughts on your thoughts and questions about past episodes, including Worf’s ship design knowledge, the value of Vic Fontaine, and the origins of Sisko.

Worf’s Journey to DS9, Part 1: TNG and Generations. We begin a new four-part series focused on Worf’s journey from TNG to DS9. Connecting the dots that were never meant to be connected, we find moments that were key to preparing Worf for his assignment to DS9.

The Ship. As we reach our 100th episode, we mark the occasion with a quiet moment from DS9—one that put our characters under pressure, tested their resolve, and highlighted the rift between the Federation and the Dominion.

Emissary, Part 2 of 2. We conclude our look at the DS9 pilot by discussing the events inside the wormhole, moving the Station, the nature of Orbs, the Prophets retroactively tampering with the timeline, and much more.

Emissary, Part 1 of 2. When Deep Space Nine premiered, the idea of a show set on a space station didn’t sit well with all fans, but this was hardly the show’s most unique element. We break down the DS9 pilot.

Feedback Show. In this special show we share our thoughts on your thoughts and questions about past episodes, including the origins of our theme music, a new take on Sisko’s penance, the most important DS9 episode, and the DS9 novels.

The Dominion Invasion, Part 7 of 7: Sacrifice of Angels. Odo wakes, Quark bakes, Ziyal betrays Dukat … and he falls apart, and Sisko takes control. Oh, and there’s a spaceship battle! All as we conclude the Season Six opening arc.

The Dominion Invasion, Part 6 of 7: Favor the Bold. Sisko quits his desk job, Quark helps his brother, Odo shacks up with the Female Changeling, and Kira takes down Darmar—literally—as we tackle the penultimate episode episode of the arc.

The Circle Trilogy, Part 3 of 3: The Siege. We discuss the character interactions and humor set against a coup d’état (it’s French), along with the resolution of Li Nalas’s arc and how the story ultimately supports the Federation’s mission.

In this special show we share our thoughts on your thoughts and questions about past episodes, including fan ratings of DS9 episodes, a new appreciation for The Circle Trilogy, cherry-picking Orbs, and Dr. Bashir as an instant superman.